Take It or Leave It: Beach Packing Quiz

Hitting the beach is a guaranteed good time, no matter who you are or what you enjoy doing there. Relax on a blanket with a good book if you just want some quiet solitude. Or, get an adrenaline rush surfing with friends. Whatever kind of beach bum you are, you undoubtedly always bring gear with you, some of which you inevitably wish you didn't lug along. Take this quiz and see which of these 10 items are worth the haul.

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Question 1 of 10

Obviously, you've got to pack sunblock. But how long should you wait to go in the sun after applying it?

There's no need to wait. Head outside!

Wait at least 30 minutes.

Harmful UV rays can be especially intense at the beach, so don't forget to bring sunblock. Your skin needs time to absorb it, so wait a half hour before heading out in the sun. Plus, this will make the sunscreen less likely to wash off if you sweat or swim.

It depends on the SPF -- the lower the SPF, the longer you should wait.

Question 2 of 10

A beach designated "free beach" means what exactly?

nudist beach or clothing optional

Don't bother packing a swimsuit if you're headed to a free beach. Be prepared to strip down to your birthday suit (or be around others who do!). There are a number of nudist and clothing-optional beaches across the U.S. When you pack, keep it simple: sunblock and something to read.

the beach doesn't charge a fee for use

pets are welcome as long as they're leashed

Question 3 of 10

What does a sign that reads "wet beach" mean?

swimming is mandatory

alcohol is legally permitted

Everything in moderation, right? An ice-cold cerveza can please the palate and overall enhance your beach bumming experience! Feel free to carry along a cooler to chill your favorite icy beverages if you're at a wet beach. This designation means alcohol is allowed.

the shoreline is in a storm zone that gets a lot of rainfall and can pose risky swimming conditions

Question 4 of 10

You pack a sandwich and snacks for the beach. How long can you leave out cheese in the sun before it goes bad?

always keep cheese refrigerated or cool

about 24 hours after it starts sweating

indefinitely, cheese doesn't spoil

It might sweat and look less appetizing, but cheese doesn't spoil if it's left unchilled. So, go ahead and pack your picnic basket with all the cheese you desire.

Question 5 of 10

When should you start drinking water to stay hydrated at the beach?

when you start feeling light-headed or sick

when you start feeling thirsty

before you start feeling thirsty

Of course, you sweat more when you're in the sun and it's hot outside. This means you lose vital fluids faster. Start hydrating BEFORE you start feeling thirsty. That's key. Pack plenty of water before heading out for fun in the sun.

Question 6 of 10

How can taking along binoculars make your beach experience safer?

They can help you spot your kids or other swimmers in distress from a distance.

Sure, binoculars make it possible to spot beautiful scenery up close (as well as colorful characters strutting the beach or lounging eye-candy). But they're also a great tool for keeping an eye on your kids playing in the surf. The percentage of drownings in natural water settings like the ocean increases with age. Even if there are lifeguards present, be aware of where your children are at all times. A pair of these babies will help you and your family stay safe.

Their mere presence can dissuade petty thiefs from preying on your area of the shore.

Their lenses are safer to look through than sunglasses or reading glasses.

Question 7 of 10

Where on your body are you most likely to get skin cancer, and what should you do about it?

under your hairline, so keep your scalp wet

your ears, so wear a hat that protects them from the sun's rays

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. One in five Americans is diagnosed with it. You're most likely to get it on body parts that haven't been protected from the sun, like your ears. We know it's important to lube up our face and body with sunscreen before going out into the sun, especially at the beach. But we often forget to protect our ears. Pack a hat to wear that shades or covers them.

your chest, so keep it covered with a bathing suit or clothing

Question 8 of 10

What time of day are the sun's UV rays the most harmful?

between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Be aware of how long you're out the in sun. You don't want to fall asleep for hours and go home looking like a lobster and stinging from a painful burn. Bring along a watch to help you track time. Be aware of the time of day you're getting exposure, too. The sun's rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

late afternoon

between noon and 6 p.m.

Question 9 of 10

Which one of these factors should NOT harm a digital camera at the beach?

sand

UV rays

wind speed

Digital cameras are finicky and can get easily damaged at the beach, but who wants to leave it at home and miss out on recording fun memories? Even if you protect it in a camera case or bag, your camera can easily get tiny granules of sand stuck inside it. Also, the sun's UV rays can damage a camera's lens. While wind may kick up pesky sand bits and debris, it alone won't harm your camera.

Question 10 of 10

Who invented the original swim fins?

Amelia Earhart

Albert Einstein

Benjamin Franklin

Slip your feet into swim fins or flippers, and you'll be able to move through the open ocean with much more speed and ease. (Not to mention, it's an excellent workout!) The original swim fins were invented by Benjamin Franklin. They were shaped like lily pads and designed to be worn on the hands to help increase swimming speed, so pack a pair of your modern fins if you plan on hitting the water.